What is a normal testosterone level for my age?

Normal testosterone levels vary by age. For men 19-39, the median total testosterone is 531 ng/dL (Travison et al. 2017, nonobese). For ages 40-49, the median is 481 ng/dL, and for ages 50-79, it's 477 ng/dL. The standard clinical reference range is 300-1000 ng/dL, but age-adjusted thresholds from Schlegel et al. 2022 suggest that younger men (18-29) should be above 409-413 ng/dL, while the AUA threshold of 300 ng/dL applies to men 45 and older.

What testosterone level is considered low?

The American Urological Association (AUA) defines low testosterone (hypogonadism) as a total testosterone level below 300 ng/dL on two separate morning measurements. However, the Endocrine Society uses a threshold of 264 ng/dL. Many men experience symptoms at levels between 300-450 ng/dL that are technically 'in range' but suboptimal for their age.

What is the optimal testosterone level?

While 'optimal' varies by individual, most research and clinical experience suggests that total testosterone between 450-600 ng/dL is the optimal range where most men feel their best. Levels in the 350-699 ng/dL range are considered solidly normal. Some men may need levels above 600 ng/dL to resolve symptoms, which is why individualized care is important.

Does testosterone decrease with age?

Yes, testosterone declines approximately 1-2% per year after age 30. According to Travison et al. 2017, the median testosterone for nonobese men ages 19-39 is 531 ng/dL, dropping to 481 ng/dL for ages 40-49 and 477 ng/dL for ages 50-79. By age 50, roughly 20% of men have clinically low testosterone. Free testosterone may decline even faster due to increasing SHBG levels with age.

When should I get my testosterone tested?

You should get tested if you have symptoms of low testosterone such as persistent fatigue, brain fog, low libido, muscle loss, or unexplained weight gain. The AUA recommends testing with a morning blood draw (7-10 AM) after an overnight fast, and confirming low results with a second test. Men over 35 with multiple symptoms should consider a baseline test. Testing when sick, sleep-deprived, or acutely stressed can give falsely low results.

What should I do if my testosterone is low?

If your testosterone is confirmed low on two separate morning tests, consult a healthcare provider or TRT-specialized clinic. First, optimize lifestyle factors: sleep 7-9 hours, exercise (especially resistance training), maintain healthy weight, manage stress, and ensure adequate vitamin D. If levels remain low with symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be appropriate. Options include online telehealth clinics like PeterMD or TMates that specialize in hormone optimization.

Is My Testosterone Normal? Free T Level Checker by Age

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Medical disclaimer: This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Levels should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider alongside symptoms, history, and additional lab work. This page contains affiliate links — disclosure.

Testosterone Levels by Age

Age-adjusted reference data compiled from Travison et al. 2017 (nonobese cohort), Schlegel et al. 2022, and the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Age	Median (ng/dL)	Age-Adjusted Low*	Endocrine Society Low
18–24	531	< 409	< 264
25–29	531	< 413	< 264
30–34	531	< 359	< 264
35–39	531	< 352	< 264
40–44	481	< 350	< 264
45–49	481	< 300	< 264
50–59	477	< 300	< 264
60–69	477	< 300	< 264
70+	477	< 300	< 264

*Age-adjusted thresholds from Schlegel et al. 2022 for ages 18-44; AUA standard (<300 ng/dL) for 45+. Medians from Travison et al. 2017, nonobese cohort.

Testing Tips

Timing

Test in the Morning

Testosterone peaks 7–10 AM. Testing later can read 20–30% lower than your true peak.

Prep

Fast Overnight

Eating beforehand can temporarily lower levels. Fast 8–12 hours; water is fine.

Confirm

Repeat to Confirm

The AUA requires a second morning test — one reading isn't enough for a diagnosis.

Baseline

Don't Test When Sick

Illness, stress, and poor sleep suppress testosterone. Wait until healthy for a true baseline.

Understanding the Zones

Most lab reports call your testosterone "normal" anywhere between 300 and 1,000 ng/dL. But that range is enormous — and it doesn't account for your age.

Why 300–1,000 Is Too Broad

A 25-year-old at 320 ng/dL is technically "in range" but likely symptomatic — age-adjusted data (Schlegel et al. 2022) suggests he should be above 413 ng/dL. A 65-year-old at 320 ng/dL is much closer to expected levels for his decade. This is why age-adjusted reference ranges matter.

What Is Hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism is the clinical term for low testosterone. The Endocrine Society defines it as total testosterone below 264 ng/dL; the AUA uses 300 ng/dL. Both require two separate morning blood draws plus symptoms for a formal diagnosis — neither symptoms nor blood work alone confirms it.

Total vs. Free Testosterone

This tool checks total testosterone. About 98% of it is bound to SHBG or albumin; only ~2% is free and biologically active. Some men have normal total T but low free T (often from high SHBG, which rises with age). If your total T is borderline with symptoms, ask for free T and SHBG.

What Else Should You Test?

Total & free testosterone — the baseline
SHBG — determines how much T is bioavailable
Estradiol (E2) — testosterone converts to estrogen via aromatase
LH & FSH — distinguish primary vs. secondary hypogonadism
CBC & metabolic panel — baseline for monitoring on TRT
Thyroid (TSH) — thyroid dysfunction mimics low T symptoms

Sources

Travison TG, et al. "Harmonized Reference Ranges for Circulating Testosterone Levels in Men of Four Cohort Studies in the United States and Europe." J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2017;102(4):1161–1173.
Schlegel PN, et al. "Evaluation and Management of Testosterone Deficiency: AUA Guideline (2018, amended 2022)." American Urological Association.
Bhasin S, et al. "Testosterone Therapy in Men with Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline." J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2018;103(5):1715–1744.
Lincoff AM, et al. "Cardiovascular Safety of Testosterone-Replacement Therapy (TRAVERSE)." N Engl J Med, 2023;389:107–117.
Salonia A, et al. "EAU/ICSM Guidelines on the Management of Sexual and Reproductive Health Conditions in Men." 2024.

Medical disclaimer: This tool provides general educational information based on published clinical data. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider. Affiliate disclosure

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Is My Testosterone Normal?